kellyljames
12-18-2003, 10:41 PM
Hi everyone, new here. 35 year old mother of 5 girls, heavy smoker for 15 years. A routine xray showed a 5mm lung nodule in my upper left lung. Radiologist says "could" be a "vacular shadow" but wants me to "wait and watch", in other words, be re-xrayed in 3 months to see if it has grown. This sounds very stupid to me. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Has anyone been through this?
Kelly
Kelly
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butterflytrans
12-19-2003, 12:11 AM
Hi everyone, new here. 35 year old mother of 5 girls, heavy smoker for 15 years. A routine xray showed a 5mm lung nodule in my upper left lung. Radiologist says "could" be a "vacular shadow" but wants me to "wait and watch", in other words, be re-xrayed in 3 months to see if it has grown. This sounds very stupid to me. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Has anyone been through this?
Kelly
Hi Kellyljames,
the reason the doctors are waiting rather than do anything is because there is no reason to put you through something that could result in possible complications if it's not necessary. Allow me to explain. A nodule that shows up on the x-ray can mean a lot of different things. Yes, I know, the first thing that anyone would obviously be worried about (especially a smoker) is lung cancer...and yes, I'm not going to lie to you, lung cancer is a possibility....but there are a whackload of other things a solitary pulmonary nodule can be. It can be a focus of infection (pneumonia), it can be an atriovenous malformation, it can be sarcoidosis, it can be part of the normal anatomy of the lung...etc. etc. etc. Instead of trying to throw all of this medical language at you, I can tell you that not all of the possibilities are bad. Now, waiting three months, if they see that there is any change in the nodule, then they will biopsy it to see if it is lung cancer, but if it goes away, then you're fine and you didn't have to undergo a biopsy procedure (which as you know) has risks.
Now you're may be thinking, "But what if it's lung cancer, and in the three monts the doctor makes me wait, it gets worse and it spreads?" Well, I'll tell you that a lung cancer that presents as a solitary pulmonary nodule is not going to be much bigger in 3 months.
Kelly
Hi Kellyljames,
the reason the doctors are waiting rather than do anything is because there is no reason to put you through something that could result in possible complications if it's not necessary. Allow me to explain. A nodule that shows up on the x-ray can mean a lot of different things. Yes, I know, the first thing that anyone would obviously be worried about (especially a smoker) is lung cancer...and yes, I'm not going to lie to you, lung cancer is a possibility....but there are a whackload of other things a solitary pulmonary nodule can be. It can be a focus of infection (pneumonia), it can be an atriovenous malformation, it can be sarcoidosis, it can be part of the normal anatomy of the lung...etc. etc. etc. Instead of trying to throw all of this medical language at you, I can tell you that not all of the possibilities are bad. Now, waiting three months, if they see that there is any change in the nodule, then they will biopsy it to see if it is lung cancer, but if it goes away, then you're fine and you didn't have to undergo a biopsy procedure (which as you know) has risks.
Now you're may be thinking, "But what if it's lung cancer, and in the three monts the doctor makes me wait, it gets worse and it spreads?" Well, I'll tell you that a lung cancer that presents as a solitary pulmonary nodule is not going to be much bigger in 3 months.
MichaelNYC
12-19-2003, 09:44 AM
Hi everyone, new here. 35 year old mother of 5 girls, heavy smoker for 15 years. A routine xray showed a 5mm lung nodule in my upper left lung. Radiologist says "could" be a "vacular shadow" but wants me to "wait and watch", in other words, be re-xrayed in 3 months to see if it has grown. This sounds very stupid to me. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Has anyone been through this?
Kelly
It's possible that you don't have cancer but as a precaution be aware that most nutritionists believe sugar feeds cancer both refined and natural. There are books written by nutritionists for cancer patients on how to beat cancer with nutrition. Research and read all you can about the role of nutrition. Do a search on Patrick Quillin. You must also consider supplements. I take a packet of 11 capsules each day which contain 56 vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, antioxidants, amino acids & supporting nutrients. They come 30 packets in a box. Any large health food store would have it. Be certain that it includes selenium. Again, nutrition and a strong immune system is crucial.
Kelly
It's possible that you don't have cancer but as a precaution be aware that most nutritionists believe sugar feeds cancer both refined and natural. There are books written by nutritionists for cancer patients on how to beat cancer with nutrition. Research and read all you can about the role of nutrition. Do a search on Patrick Quillin. You must also consider supplements. I take a packet of 11 capsules each day which contain 56 vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, antioxidants, amino acids & supporting nutrients. They come 30 packets in a box. Any large health food store would have it. Be certain that it includes selenium. Again, nutrition and a strong immune system is crucial.
kellyljames
12-19-2003, 01:12 PM
Thank you both. They compared the recent xray (the one with the nodule) to xrays i had a year ago, the nodule was not present a year ago. Anyway, I did call my doc the other day, and pled with her to not make me wait. She seemed to have "forgotton" my families heavy history of lung cancer. She called this morning and said she talked with a pulmonary specialist and he said the xray did warrant a CT. I get that on Monday. I dont know how I could handle the guilt if i find out its something bad...what am I suppossed to tell my kids? "mommy is not going to be around because I chose smoking over being with you in the future" ? I have not smoked in 3 days. I hope it is nothing and I can start over. OH, I also have early emphasyma, which I know puts me more at risk. I will try the supplements, I took myself off table sugar 4 mos ago when my triglycerides where sky high, just using splenda in my coffee now. I have NOT seen anything good on any kind of nodules that were not there before, and suddenly show up. But ill trust, and wait. Thank you.
MichaelNYC
12-19-2003, 01:30 PM
Thank you both. They compared the recent xray (the one with the nodule) to xrays i had a year ago, the nodule was not present a year ago. Anyway, I did call my doc the other day, and pled with her to not make me wait. She seemed to have "forgotton" my families heavy history of lung cancer. She called this morning and said she talked with a pulmonary specialist and he said the xray did warrant a CT. I get that on Monday. I dont know how I could handle the guilt if i find out its something bad...what am I suppossed to tell my kids? "mommy is not going to be around because I chose smoking over being with you in the future" ? I have not smoked in 3 days. I hope it is nothing and I can start over. OH, I also have early emphasyma, which I know puts me more at risk. I will try the supplements, I took myself off table sugar 4 mos ago when my triglycerides where sky high, just using splenda in my coffee now. I have NOT seen anything good on any kind of nodules that were not there before, and suddenly show up. But ill trust, and wait. Thank you.
You are so wise for being proactive and insisting on a CT Lung Scan. A CT Lung Scan is 6 times more powerful than xray and can detect a tumor the size of a grain of rice. You'll have the results (by phone ) on Tuesday. For those reading this message you DON'T need a doctors referral or prescription to get a CT Lung Scan. I get one every year on my own (former long term smoker) at a non profit medical center for $250. The test takes 5 minutes. There are hundreds of private diagnostic centers nationwide that charge $400 - $425 which is money well spent for peace of mind or detecting cancer early. None of this is reimbursable. Hopefully, you will get good news on Tuesday. Let us know the outcome. Again, supplements and nutrition is VITAL. I was going to also suggest exercise but with 5 young children this may not be necessary (LOL). The Very Best. Michael
You are so wise for being proactive and insisting on a CT Lung Scan. A CT Lung Scan is 6 times more powerful than xray and can detect a tumor the size of a grain of rice. You'll have the results (by phone ) on Tuesday. For those reading this message you DON'T need a doctors referral or prescription to get a CT Lung Scan. I get one every year on my own (former long term smoker) at a non profit medical center for $250. The test takes 5 minutes. There are hundreds of private diagnostic centers nationwide that charge $400 - $425 which is money well spent for peace of mind or detecting cancer early. None of this is reimbursable. Hopefully, you will get good news on Tuesday. Let us know the outcome. Again, supplements and nutrition is VITAL. I was going to also suggest exercise but with 5 young children this may not be necessary (LOL). The Very Best. Michael
eilrash
01-07-2004, 12:07 AM
Hey KellyJames...I understand completely what you are going through. My doctor found an 8mm nodule. I have never smoked in my life, so I'm kinda wondering what in the heck got the nodule there. My doctor and another second opinion doctor suggested that i do the wait and see thing to and get my second ct scan in the first of march. I have been having problems breathing for two months now and my chest near the middle of my lungs is constantly aching. All I can suggest is that you can get a second opinion or talk to him about getting a biopsy. You have the right as a patient to make suggestions to your physician and question them. Or you can do what I"m doing and sitting and waiting and talking to other folks on these boards to pass the time and try to not worry too much about it. I hope this helps..keep me posted on your results!!
Sharlie
Sharlie
genners
02-17-2004, 01:50 PM
Hello all,
I also was recently told that I have a 7mm lung nodule, left lung. However, I recently recovered from a bad bout with bronchitis and am now suffering from pleurisy. I have repeated bouts with respiratory infections and am hopeful that the nodule is just a scar. My CAT scan is tonight and I get the results on Friday. I am nervous, but I have to say that every person that I've talked to on here that had a CAT scan found out that it was NOT cancer. Also, I found out that 1 in 500 x-rays will detect a lung nodule - they are very prevalent.
However, I never believe in the wait and see 3-six months advice doctors give. I like to have a baseline CAT scan now and then in six months they can check it again for comparative analysis.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Genners
Hi everyone, new here. 35 year old mother of 5 girls, heavy smoker for 15 years. A routine xray showed a 5mm lung nodule in my upper left lung. Radiologist says "could" be a "vacular shadow" but wants me to "wait and watch", in other words, be re-xrayed in 3 months to see if it has grown. This sounds very stupid to me. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Has anyone been through this?
Kelly
I also was recently told that I have a 7mm lung nodule, left lung. However, I recently recovered from a bad bout with bronchitis and am now suffering from pleurisy. I have repeated bouts with respiratory infections and am hopeful that the nodule is just a scar. My CAT scan is tonight and I get the results on Friday. I am nervous, but I have to say that every person that I've talked to on here that had a CAT scan found out that it was NOT cancer. Also, I found out that 1 in 500 x-rays will detect a lung nodule - they are very prevalent.
However, I never believe in the wait and see 3-six months advice doctors give. I like to have a baseline CAT scan now and then in six months they can check it again for comparative analysis.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Genners
Hi everyone, new here. 35 year old mother of 5 girls, heavy smoker for 15 years. A routine xray showed a 5mm lung nodule in my upper left lung. Radiologist says "could" be a "vacular shadow" but wants me to "wait and watch", in other words, be re-xrayed in 3 months to see if it has grown. This sounds very stupid to me. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Has anyone been through this?
Kelly
butterflytrans
02-18-2004, 08:29 AM
The thing with lung nodules, though, is that they don't have to necessarily be cancerous tumours. They can be benign tumours like hamartomas, or lipomas, or angiomas (or AV malformations). Unlikely, but they can also be foci of infection (especially for things like TB, which though, are fairly rare in N. America).
One other thing, someone was asking before (maybe it was this thread) of how you could get a lung cancer without having ever smoked. Well, 85% of lung cancers are related to cigarette smoke, but there is one non-small cell cancer type known as adenocarcinoma, which actually is not related to smoking and almost always appears in people who have never touched a cigarette in their entire lives!
One other thing, someone was asking before (maybe it was this thread) of how you could get a lung cancer without having ever smoked. Well, 85% of lung cancers are related to cigarette smoke, but there is one non-small cell cancer type known as adenocarcinoma, which actually is not related to smoking and almost always appears in people who have never touched a cigarette in their entire lives!
pugwash
02-18-2004, 08:49 AM
The thing with lung nodules, though, is that they don't have to necessarily be cancerous tumours. They can be benign tumours like hamartomas, or lipomas, or angiomas (or AV malformations). Unlikely, but they can also be foci of infection (especially for things like TB, which though, are fairly rare in N. America).
One other thing, someone was asking before (maybe it was this thread) of how you could get a lung cancer without having ever smoked. Well, 85% of lung cancers are related to cigarette smoke, but there is one non-small cell cancer type known as adenocarcinoma, which actually is not related to smoking and almost always appears in people who have never touched a cigarette in their entire lives!
it can be quite dangerous to biopsy vascular lesions - also the radiation from a CT scan is quite high
One other thing, someone was asking before (maybe it was this thread) of how you could get a lung cancer without having ever smoked. Well, 85% of lung cancers are related to cigarette smoke, but there is one non-small cell cancer type known as adenocarcinoma, which actually is not related to smoking and almost always appears in people who have never touched a cigarette in their entire lives!
it can be quite dangerous to biopsy vascular lesions - also the radiation from a CT scan is quite high
butterflytrans
02-18-2004, 12:02 PM
it can be quite dangerous to biopsy vascular lesions - also the radiation from a CT scan is quite high
Good call pugwash, and you're right, the radiation from the CT scan is quite high, but having one or two to characterize a lesion won't kill you :)
Good call pugwash, and you're right, the radiation from the CT scan is quite high, but having one or two to characterize a lesion won't kill you :)
genners
02-20-2004, 05:25 PM
I am happy to say that I just spoke to the doctor regarding my CAT scan and the nodules are clearly benign. He said that people along the Ohio/Mississippi River have the tendency to get these small granular masses (nodules) on their lungs just from living in the area. The main cause are pigeons believe it or not. Even if you do not have direct contact with them - just breathing the air can give them to you!! I actually spoke to a few of my coworkers about it only to find out that they all had lung nodules too!!! So don't worry until you absolutely have to - my nodules were not present a year ago either. From my research, most nodules are benign that are smaller than 1 cm. However, it was a good idea to get the CAT scan.
Thank you both. They compared the recent xray (the one with the nodule) to xrays i had a year ago, the nodule was not present a year ago. Anyway, I did call my doc the other day, and pled with her to not make me wait. She seemed to have "forgotton" my families heavy history of lung cancer. She called this morning and said she talked with a pulmonary specialist and he said the xray did warrant a CT. I get that on Monday. I dont know how I could handle the guilt if i find out its something bad...what am I suppossed to tell my kids? "mommy is not going to be around because I chose smoking over being with you in the future" ? I have not smoked in 3 days. I hope it is nothing and I can start over. OH, I also have early emphasyma, which I know puts me more at risk. I will try the supplements, I took myself off table sugar 4 mos ago when my triglycerides where sky high, just using splenda in my coffee now. I have NOT seen anything good on any kind of nodules that were not there before, and suddenly show up. But ill trust, and wait. Thank you.
Thank you both. They compared the recent xray (the one with the nodule) to xrays i had a year ago, the nodule was not present a year ago. Anyway, I did call my doc the other day, and pled with her to not make me wait. She seemed to have "forgotton" my families heavy history of lung cancer. She called this morning and said she talked with a pulmonary specialist and he said the xray did warrant a CT. I get that on Monday. I dont know how I could handle the guilt if i find out its something bad...what am I suppossed to tell my kids? "mommy is not going to be around because I chose smoking over being with you in the future" ? I have not smoked in 3 days. I hope it is nothing and I can start over. OH, I also have early emphasyma, which I know puts me more at risk. I will try the supplements, I took myself off table sugar 4 mos ago when my triglycerides where sky high, just using splenda in my coffee now. I have NOT seen anything good on any kind of nodules that were not there before, and suddenly show up. But ill trust, and wait. Thank you.